HomeAnswersNeurologytonic-clonic seizureWhy do I have recurrent episodes of grand mal seizures?

What could be the reason for my recurrent grand mal seizures?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 13, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 17, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 59-year-old male who suffered three grand mal seizures over the past 14 years. The first was at age 45 when I was taking Larium, an anti-malaria med that has been taken off the market due to a wide range of side effects, including seizures. At that time, my MRI, CT scan, EEG, and EKG all returned normal. After a year, my doctor noted in my record that the most likely cause was the Larium. My second seizure was at age 56 when I had several cups of coffee and little water. I went on a jog alone. Even then, MRI, CT scan, and EEG all returned negative. My new neurologist suggested that I could have fainted due to the events of the earlier 24 hours and dehydration.

Last month I had my third grand mal, again in the mid-morning after waking and enjoying two cups of coffee, followed by a workout, then breakfast with two additional cups of coffee. My CT scan, EEG and MRI were all normal. I have been prescribed 500 mg of Keppra twice daily and told to see a neurologist. After visiting a new neurologist, he said he could run additional testing but did not think he would find anything new and encouraged me to continue the Keppra and return in six months.

I have been taking Keppra for 30 days and have 80 % of all the listed side effects. I do not feel normal and feel confident that it is the Keppra. I am semi-retired, working a low-stress job from home with no need to drive. I want to stop Keppra to see how I feel while I cannot drive and see if the side effects disappear. The side effects are worse than having a seizure. I have stopped drinking coffee these past five days and have fewer symptoms. What is the best way to stop Keppra, and do you have suggestions for a holistic approach to managing seizures or know who I can talk with?

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I understand your concern. The rare seizures seem to have happened in somewhat provoked situations. On the other side, because these seizures have occurred rarely, I agree with you that taking medication is unnecessary, considering its adverse effects. For this reason, I would suggest reducing the dose by half a tablet every two weeks until stopping it. In the meantime, I suggest avoiding caffeine intake or energy drinks, junk food, and dehydration. A healthy lifestyle is necessary. Taking magnesium supplements of 300 to 500 mg daily can help too.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Neurology

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